Dallas Mavs To-Do List: Shop Josh Howard

In April (during the NBA Playoffs), Josh Howard held a well publicized radio interview with Micheal Irvin, condoning the use of marijuana and confessing to his and fellow players usage of the substance.

On that same night, Howard suited up to play in game three of the Mavs-Hornets series and after its conclusion, distributed flyers to his birthday bash.

Mark Cuban addressed these issues and Josh apologized knowing that his reputation had taken a major hit.

I, along with countless Mavericks, thought Josh's shenanigans were over until last Thursday.

J-Ho was charged with three counts of speeding in North Carolina.

Number five was already involved in a trade with the Kings for Ron Artest prior to the traffic incident and the Mavs turned it down, now have Howard's latest antics secured his spot on the trading block? I believe so.

One of the premier small forwards in the league, the former Wake Forest standout averaged 19.9 PPG, 7 RPG, and 2.2 APG.

I've decided to crunch the numbers and here are trades that would involving Howard that would benefit both the Mavericks and their trade partner:

Option Number One: Mavs send SG/SF Josh Howard and SG Jerry Stackhouse to the Los Angeles Lakers for SF/PF Lamar Odom and PG Jordan Farmar.

Displeased with Lamar’s performance in the postseason, the Lakers were earlier involved in tals with Sacramento about trading for Ron Artest, but unfortunately the transaction fell through. With Lamar Odon only having one year remaining on his deal and his lack of defense hurting the Lakers, Howard would be a superb upgrade.

The only concern though is whether life in the big city will be too enticing for Howard.

The Mavs essentially become last season's Lakers, with a starting lineup that would feature three players 6'10" or taller: Lamar Odom, Dirk Nowitzki, and Erick Dampier. Dallas also would be starch free of Odom after the '08-'09 season and can look to dip into a

Option Number Two: Mavs send SG/SF Josh Howard to Charlotte for Bobcats SF Gerald Wallace.

Rick Carlisle idolizes defense, so his blessing will be given on this swap of small forwards. Wallace is among one of the best forwards in the game and has made excellent progress since his time with the Kings. Wallace had a career year last season in points per game, rebounds, assists, blocks per game, steals, free throw shooting, and in minutes per game.

While Charlotte will miss Gerald’s smash mouth persona, they will be submerged in playmakers. Felton, Richardson, and Howard will be able to feed off each other, as well as newly resigned C Emela Okafor cashing in on the acquisition.

Option Number Three: Mavs send SG/SF Josh Howard and C Erick Dampier for New York Knicks PF Zach Randolph and PF Malik Rose.

Dallas inherits a low post scorer and a good rebounder but they must also take absentee Malik Rose for the deal to work. After this move, Dirk rotates back to his actual position and Jason Terry regains his role as Dallas’s starting shooting guard.

Galinari moves to power forward to occupy the position left by Zach and Josh continues to play at small forward. With Marbury gone after next season, a base of Galinari, Howard, and Nate Robinson will be the future in New York.

The Knicks also gain a small amount of leverage in the Lebron Sweepstakes.

The Knickerbockers are coached by Mike D’Antoni who also is friends with Lebron James and coaches him as an assistant coach on the USA Olympic basketball team. That key factor combined with talent and cap room might be enough to lure the King away from Brooklyn and to Manhattan.

Option Number Four:

Mavs send SG/SF Josh Howard and cash to Toronto for SF/PF Jamario Moon, PF/C Andrea Bargnai, and SG/SF Anthony Parker.

Mavs get a quick reacting cap relief as all three incoming players only have one year left on their contracts. Dallas also receives help in the frontcourt with Bargnai and Jamario Moon, and solid perimeter defender in Parker.

The Raptors have a formation of Josh Howard, Chris Bosh, Jermaine O’Neal, and Jose Calderon for the '08-'09 season, a squad that should take the them far into the playoffs. Also by acquiring Howard, Jermaine O’Neal may be tempted to resign with the Raptors for less money, at the risk of winning a championship.

Option Number Five: Mavs send SG/SF Josh Howard and PG/SG Jason Terry to Detroit for SG Richard Hamilton, SG Arron Affalo, and PF/C Amir Johnson.

Joe Dumars vowed to make major modifications to Detroit's roster and so far he's failed in his attempts to acquire Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, and Josh Smith. Josh Howard is easily the most attainable out of the previous three and should help the Pistons score.

With Chauncey Billups at the helm and Rodney Stuckey's strong surge in the playoffs expecting to garner him additional minutes this season, I can't visualize Rip Hamilton being a part of the Pistons anymore.

Hamilton should receive a pleasant reception in Detroit, as he will be reunited with Rick Carlisle, who coached Hamilton in Detroit for two seasons, 2001-03, and was recognized as Coach of the Year in 2002 during his short stint. 

Josh Howard will probably be dealt sometime this offseason, so Dallas fans don't expect him in navy blue and white in 2008.